INSIDE THIS ISSUE…
REGULARS
2 Note from the MD
3 For Your Information
WELCOME
Note from the MD
12 Newsdesk
13 Take a Break with BRAYMANN
22 FPS Product Index
24 Competition Time
Your chance to win an Apple iPad Pro plus a Power Tablet Sleeve,
courtesy of GATES!
FEATURES
4 The Best of Both Worlds
Find out how more about hybrid technology and what it means for
the aftermarket.
6 Be Particular About DPFs
KLARIUS explains the significance of type-approved replacement
DPFs.
7 A Keen Sense Of Quality
Uncover how CAMBIARE’s ABS sensors are tested for quality.
8 SHAFTEC Steering Transmission
Solutions
SHAFTEC sheds light on common issues that can lead to premature
failure in steering and transmission parts.
9 Safety In Clarity
BOSCH advises on optimising wiper stock to get higher returns.
10 Regulated Illumination
RING AUTOMOTIVE explains how ECE Regulation 37 affects
replacement light bulbs.
11 Reflecting On The Bright Way Forward
FPS and PRASCO teams up to provide more competitive prices for
automotive mirrors and lighting.
14 At The Heart Of Engine Efficiency
FEDERAL-MOGUL shares the latest developments in piston
technology.
15 Quality In Assurance
VITAL NEWS investigates how FPS standardises quality control
across their supply chain.
16 OE Excellence Remanufactured
REMY shares technical pointers from their new troubleshooting
guide for rotating electrics.
17 Cool Under Pressure
FAHREN explains water pumps and how to avoid common problems.
18 Staying In Charge
Happy New Year and welcome to the first
issue of Vital News for the year of 2017!
After a year of shocks such as “Brexit” and
“Trumpin”, hopefully 2017 will be a little
steadier. However, with further elections
due in various European countries, there
is plenty of scope for further unrest.
Curiously, the rest of Europe may actually
come round to the UK’s way of thinking
of less convergence, more local control,
which could mean we’ll have no Brexit at
all but back to “Brex-in” again.
I am actually writing this at 4am, having
just got back from Automechanika
Shanghai. It will be interesting to see how
Trump gets on with trying to keep jobs
in America, when it is clearly visible how
competent the Chinese are in so many
products, and are investing heavily to
improve the whole time.
In China you do of course get what you
pay for. As effectively, you can almost
choose your price, from extreme budget
brands to OE quality. One has to say
though, those who go as cheap as possible
and then don’t have their own testing
regime for product they import really are
taking big risks, in particular on safety
critical products.
In a wider contest in the aftermarket,
technology consistently plays a huge role
in any business direction, be it embracing
new technologies, or incremental or step
changes in existing ones.
Hybrid vehicles have existed for a better
part of 20 years. However, as supercar
manufacturers begin to embrace hybrid
technology and PHEV are now becoming
part of many manufacturers market
offering, the interest is as strong as ever.
There is a growing demand for hybrid
components and expertise as more
hybrid cars take to UK roads. Vital News
explores this trend on page 4.
On the FPS front, Vital News explores
the measures we take to ensure that
our suppliers not only provide the best
quality in products, but also maintain
best practices in the way they conduct
business. Find out more about how FPS
attain end-to-end accountability with our
QC checking processes on page 15.
Also in this issue, be sure to keep an
eye out for news and insights from
our component suppliers – Klarius,
Cambiare, Shaftec, Bosch, Ring, Prasco,
Federal-Mogul, Remy and Fahren. On
the non-component side, we are pleased
to introduce Royal’s latest range of
leisure products in time for 2017 as well
as updates from Energizer, Polco and
Maypole.
As always, we look forward to your
feedback on how to provide you with
excellent services to make the business
better.
Meanwhile, happy reading!
Neil Davis
Managing Director, FPS
[email protected]
PROUD TO SUPPORT
CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE…
ENERGIZER explains why intelligent battery chargers are good for
your business.
19 A Royal Introduction
ROYAL projects some exciting sales opportunities in 2017 on the
travel and leisure front.
20 Got It Covered
The latest range of car covers and accessories from industry
stalwart POLCO.
21 LED To Safety With MAYPOLE
MAYPOLE sheds light about the rise of LED technology in safety
beacons, strobes and work lighting.
2 CONTENTS
VITAL NEWS ISSUE 45